The resigning of receiver Austin Collie today was an early indicator that either Josh Boyce or Aaron Dobson could be headed to the injured reserve. Within the last hour, it has been reported that Boyce's season is officially over.

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Boyce injured his ankle late in the team's Week 15 loss to Miami and did not practice or play after that point. The rookie receiver, who the Patriots selected in the 4th round of the draft out of TCU, had shown his first real flashes of potential as a receiver and kick returner in the weeks leading up to the injury.

In total on the year, Boyce had nine receptions for 121 yards and nine kick returns for 214 yards. In his absence, Legarrette Blount re-emerged in a major way in the deep-man role last week with two huge returns. Once a puzzling choice, Blount finally showed his capabilities as a return man vs. Buffalo.

While Boyce is officially done for the year, Aaron Dobson's status remains up in the air after he re-aggravated a stress fracture in the foot against the Bills and has not practiced since.

Austin Collie will take Boyce's spot on the depth chart, and could see increased playing time in the divisional round playoff game should Dobson be ruled out or play in a limited role.@LiamPCunningham@PatriotsLife